The Guilford County Animal Shelter, the Virginia Beach SPCA, the Norfolk SPCA, and the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina

60 Australian Shepherds, including 13 puppies, were rescued from a suspected Hertford County, N.C., puppy mill. After being visited by law enforcement officials regarding concerns about the welfare of the dogs on the property, the breeder agreed to surrender all of his dogs and cease operations.

Duplin County Animal Shelter, Pet Friends of Duplin County, SPCA of Wake County

More than 50 dogs were rescued from a suspected Duplin County, N.C., puppy mill. Duplin County Animal Control became concerned about the welfare of the dogs after they responded to a complaint and found the animals living in filth and suffering from a lack of basic care. The Humane Society of the United States, Duplin County Animal Shelter, Pet Friends of Duplin County and the SPCA of Wake County assisted with the rescue and removal of the dogs.

New York local governments can now regulate large-scale commercial puppy mills and provide oversight of pet dealers, thanks to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signing of A.740a/S.3753a. Sponsored by Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal, D-New York, and Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-Buffalo, the law grants counties and municipalities the ability to enact regulations to protect dogs raised in puppy mills. Brian Shapiro, New York state director for The Humane Society of the United States issued the following statement:

Humane Society of Charlotte, Alexander County, Alexander County Sheriff's Office

More than 20 dogs and puppies and one parrot were rescued from an Alexander County, N.C., property by The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society of Charlotte. The groups were called in by Alexander County and Alexander County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the rescue and removal of the animals.

Golden Globe and Emmy nominee, Lea Michele, has joined forces with The Humane Society of the United States to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign a bill that will give local governments the ability to regulate New York puppy mills.

The U.S. Marshals Service and The Humane Society of the United States are alerting the animal welfare community of a fugitive on the USMS’ 15 Most Wanted List and are offering rewards for her capture. The fugitive, Janet Barreto, is allegedly linked to multiple puppy mill operations and the homicide death of a toddler.